Casabe
What is Casabe?
Casabe
Definition
Casabe is a thin, crispy flatbread made from cassava, rooted in the culinary traditions of the Taíno people.
Main ingredients
Cassava (yuca) flour and salt.
Taste and texture
Thin, dry, and crunchy with a mild, neutral cassava flavour.
Traditional preparation
Cassava is grated and pressed to extract the starch, shaped into discs, and cooked on a griddle until completely dried out.
How and when it is eaten
Eaten as a side dish or snack, on its own or with a topping or spread.
Cultural importance
One of the pre-Columbian foods that has survived in the Dominican diet, Casabe stands as a living symbol of Taíno heritage.
Historical and regional background
Of Taíno origin, Casabe was a staple across the Caribbean long before European contact. Its exceptionally long shelf life made it a prized and practical food source.
Common variations
Often served with butter, garlic, or something sweet.
What it is served with
Sancocho, stews, or used as a base for snacks and small bites.
Where visitors encounter it
Found in rural areas, local markets, and some traditional bakeries.
Frequently asked questions
What is Casabe?
Casabe is a thin, crispy flatbread made from cassava flour.
What is cassava (yuca)?
Cassava is a starchy tropical root vegetable widely used across the Caribbean for its flour and starch.
Does Casabe have Taíno origins?
Yes, it is one of the pre-Columbian foods that has endured in the Dominican diet to this day.
Related Dominican foods
Sancocho Dominicano
Sancocho Dominicano is a hearty Dominican stew made with a variety of meats, root vegetables, plantains, and traditional seasonings.
Chenchén
Chenchén is a traditional Dominican dish made from cracked corn, closely associated with the southwestern region of the country.
La Bandera Dominicana
La Bandera Dominicana is the quintessential Dominican lunch, made up of white rice, stewed beans, and braised meat, typically rounded out with a salad or plantains.
Yaniqueque
Yaniqueque is a thin, deep-fried dough sold as a street food snack, especially popular along the Dominican coast.